Android Intelligence 2018

Over the course of the past 12 months, Google's oft-overlooked "other" platform has evolved and expanded to the point where it's almost unrecognizable from its 2017 form. Chromebooks today boast a totally reimagined user interface, with more Android-like elements than ever and a strong focus on touch-friendly gestures and design. The software's current incarnation has a true tablet home screen, a phone-like floating virtual keyboard, and system-level integration of Google Assistant (in the midst of rolling out broadly right now).

Beyond that, 2018 has given us the first slate-only Chrome OS tablets, the first of a new generation of always-connected Chromebooks, and the launch of a whole new category of desktop-caliber Chromebook-compatible apps. And the fast-paced progress shows no sign of slowing down soon.

The best part? Whether you're a new Chromebook convert or a Chrome OS vet, the ecosystem's ongoing evolution means there's always something new to learn and consider. So behold: some of 2018's most useful and thought-provoking Chromebook tidbits. Catch up while you can and make sure you're making the most of your work and/or personal technology.

Part I: Chrome OS advice

The mother lode — my sprawling new collection of time-saving Chromebook tricks and techniques. No exaggeration: You will learn something new from this list, and it will change the way you use Chrome OS.

Linux apps can expand your Chromebook's capabilities and open up all sorts of interesting options — but it isn't exactly obvious how to get started. This easy-to-follow guide will have you up and running in no time.

As the lines continue to blur between Chrome OS and Android, some once-crazy-sounding concepts are now shaking up mobile computing as we know it. A big-picture view of some of the shape-shifting changes we've seen this year and how Google is using them to position its platforms for the future.

Apple's latest platform-converging move sure seems familiar, but the company's approach and ultimate goal — something we're bound to hear about plenty in the coming year — is actually quite different from Google's.

And a bonus productivity-booster...

Whether you're using Google Home or one of the newer Assistant-connected Smart Displays — or even, ahem, a Chromebook with Google Assistant enabled — having a virtual assistant in your office can be a real asset.

And with that, we've reached the end of our 2018 Chrome OS coverage. What a ride it's been, eh? Don't unbuckle yet, though: If there's one surefire prediction for 2019, it's that we'll have plenty more to discuss here in the ever-overlapping areas of Chrome OS and Android.

Enjoy the brief bout of quiet — 'cause it won't stay that way for long.

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Contributing Editor JR Raphael serves up tasty morsels about the human side of technology. Hungry for more? Join him on Twitter or sign up for his weekly newsletter to get fresh tips and insight in your inbox every Friday.